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Outdoors

Please Sir; we desire to create a very interesting space outdoor to give a reflection of our interior. But we don’t know how far we can decorate and what we can put outdoors.

Kindly give us some guidelines on what we could do generally to our outdoors.  
A.K

Dear A.K, decorating of outdoors has had challenges for many years. Some are of the view that outdoor décor should be as ordinary as possible since such spaces are not part of the main living area.

On the contrary there are others who think outdoor spaces are the best place to start making an impression.

Ann Sundet, an interior designer of renown, believes that "the line between indoor and outdoor spaces is blurring, and the overall trend is to create a seamless flow between the areas."

She thinks strongly that outdoor spaces should reflect the home's interior design aesthetic so the areas blend together.

Interestingly, many homeowners now consider outdoor living spaces as a very necessary addition to their homes. It is an additional useful extra square area to their entire property.

With the popularity of outdoor living and the design trend of bringing the “indoors” out, many décor-minded homeowners are taking indications from interior design to plan their outdoor spaces.

The following guidelines can help you in your planning processes:

• Plan your outdoor spaces to meet your family's multipurpose needs like entertainment, dining, working and relaxation. Dining furniture will be an interesting inclusion to the many available options.

Conversational tub-chairs and tables are perfect for closeness in such places of intimacy; and reclining lounge chairs and lazy-chairs are ideal for recreational spaces.

• Put high stakes on quality and ensure that your outdoor furnishings are compatible with the overall quality of your home and landscape.

So in your landscape project include furniture in the planning and budget process to enhance your enjoyment of your outdoor.

• Put in colour. I like the way Ann Sundet puts it – “Break out of beige mode: Colour is in, be creative with it. Incorporate a dash of vibrancy with colourful pillows or throws. Mix solid upholsteries with stripes, florals or patterns. Consider red or blue frame finishes for added flair. Buy a striped umbrella and cover each chair in different coordinating colours. The options are endless with custom outdoor furniture."

• Pacify with a soft touch – Homeowners must begin to appreciate softness in outdoor furniture and break away totally from the notion that outdoor stuff must be hard, robust and cheap.

Thankfully, many new outdoor furniture collections feature deep, soft cushions with decorative detailing. They closely resemble interior living room furniture but are technically designed to withstand the elements and dry quickly.

• Plan with stone, granite or tile in mind. Granite, marble, tile and artificial stone are among the many stylish tabletop options now available to address the growing demand for beautiful, natural-looking surfaces that coordinate with the home's interior stone surfaces.

Imagine your bar with lovely granite worktop reflecting the imposing granite floor at your entry hall.

• Prepare the outdoors for total relaxation: Revamp your outdoor spaces to make them a feast for the senses.

One designer suggests that homeowners should “Incorporate fragrant flowers and herbs, comfortable cushions and pillows, romantic candles or twinkling lights, soothing chimes or a fountain. And enjoy the enhanced flavours that al fresco dining and entertaining provides.” That is wow! Probably this has not crossed your mind. Think about it.

• Potential possibilities - spare no effort. Outdoor living spaces of all sizes and forms can be created just about anywhere to maximise the enjoyment of your home, inside and out. For instance, a tea set on a small bedroom balcony is a great spot to savour a morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of juice.

A flower-filled or vine-covered bay in the middle of the garden can be a private meditation retreat with comfortable bench seating or one or two lounge chairs.
All things are possible to them that believe.

By Raphael Langdon/The Mirror/Ghana
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.integratedinteriorsgh.com
Blogging: raphaellangdon.blogspot.com

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